Introducing Our Firm's Newest Partner - Chad Wallace
Many lawyers aspire to become a Partner in a successful law firm and we’re excited to announce that Chad Wallace will fulfil that career ambition this April.
He will join CLM’s partnership and is looking forward to contributing to the ongoing success of our firm.
“Cooneys has been operating for 105 years. And over that time we’ve had Partners retire and new Partners join. But it’s always been a very stable and cohesive partnership. The Partners over that time have built up an incredibly successful firm that plays a very important role in the Tauranga and wider Bay of Plenty community.
“As a Partner, you’re acting as a guardian of the firm for future generations of lawyers and clients as well. You always need to be looking ahead to make sure the firm is evolving, is keeping up-to-date and looking for new opportunities to grow, for the benefit of current and future staff and clients.
“I’m excited to be part of that constant evolution of our firm and I’m grateful to the current Partners for the opportunity to join them.”
Chad began working with our Private Client & Trust team in 2015 before subsequently moving into our Property & Development team in April 2021. He leads a team that looks after one of New Zealand’s leading nationwide residential construction companies.
Chad also acts for a number of private developers who undertake residential and commercial subdivisions, including unit title developments. Many of Chad’s private clients (including orchardists, farmers and trusts) have been with Chad since he first joined CLM and with the firm for multiple generations. This broad and varied work stream is rounded out by Chad’s niche specialty acting for retirement village operators and the property work he does for a number of local authorities.
Last year Chad was named a ‘Rising Star’ by NZ Lawyer and continues to make a significant contribution to our firm, having a hand in a number of internal reviews, steering and education committees to ensure CLM remains at the leading edge of the legal profession. Outside of work, Chad is a current board member of the Tauranga Business Chamber and is raising two young sons with his wife, Sara.
“Chad is someone who is always cool, calm and collected,” says Cameron Russell, fellow CLM Partner and Chad’s mentor. “Nothing ever appears to faze him. If an issue crops up, he approaches it with a level head and is brilliant at problem solving. Chad is recognised as a ‘go-to’ person for anything related to property law and his colleagues know they can always approach him for help and they will get a friendly, reasoned and well-thought out response.
“On behalf of the partnership, I would like to warmly welcome Chad to his new role. We are looking forward to the significant contribution we know he will make to the direction of our firm in the years to come.”
Chad’s promotion to CLM’s partnership follows Peter Crombie’s retirement before Christmas. Please join us in congratulating Chad on this significant career milestone!
